Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven follows two teenagers, each possessing characteristics that make them unique from the rest of the student body. Libby Strout was once deemed the "largest teen in America," reaching over 600 pounds at her heaviest. While Jack Masselin possesses a rare cognitive disorder leaving him unable to recognize faces. Naturally, this book follows both of their struggles to discover their identities and try to break free from the evils within society that continue to hold them back.

Libby was my favorite character by far as although she has been through so many horrible experiences including her mother's death and being trapped inside of her house for years, she only let these experiences make her stronger. Libby was extremely surprising to me. I find that in these types of books, the main female protagonist is more timid than not, however Libby was quite the opposite. She was brave, bold, and unafraid to show her true colors (which, turns out to be royal purple). Honestly, I found her reactions to harassment inspiring. She made me realize that people don't have to be held back by their own insecurities. And that maybe, I can apply that to myself as well.

Jack, on the other hand, was less impressive to me (at least, compared to the bold and original Libby). Throughout the whole book, he struggled immensely to discover who he was and to break free from the norms he had established throughout his life as a defense mechanism from judgment due to his disorder. He was like Katy Perry's song Hot and Cold, you could never tell what Jack you were going to experience with every chapter, the sweet and romantic Jack or the cold and moody Jack? Although, I will say that I did sympathize with him immensely. And, his relationship with his little brother was absolutely heartwarming.

Although this book was good, I found that something was lacking. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I needed something a little more. The writing was alright but I felt that Niven might have been trying a little too hard with the metaphors. In addition, the relationship seemed to happen to seamlessly as they all of a sudden started hanging out and disclosing deeply personal information to each other. I guess I didn't really see the fireworks and rainbows that their relationship supposedly had.